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Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography

The Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA)partnered with the Oil Sands Research and Information Network (OSRIN) to create the new Oil Sands Environmental Management Bibliography, which includes documents relevant to the environmental management of oil sands development in Alberta. The majority of the documents focus on the mineable oil sands in the Athabasca deposit, though some documents relate to in-situ developments. This bibliography was last updated in November 2014.

Symptomology and threshold levels of air pollutant injury to vegetation 1979-80

Authors Malhotra, S. S., Addison P. A., & Khan A. A.
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
A number of coniferous and deciduous species that had been growing on the Suncor tailings sand dike for five to seven years were fumigated with 0.34 ppm SO2 under controlled environmental conditions. The results obtained were compared with those from similar fumigations of the same species grown in \"uncontaminated\" native soils. The coniferous species (Pinus banksiana, Picea glauca,and Picaea mariana) grown in tailings sand were much more sensitive to SO2 injury than those grown in native soils (Dystric Brunisol). They required approximately half as much fumigation time to exhibit physiological and visual injury even though they were collected less than 30 km apart. The woody angiosperms (Populus tremuloides, Caragana arborescens,and Salix sp.) were not ranked due to a pollution chamber breakdown during the experiment. No additional plant material was available to repeat this experiment.

Citation:
Malhotra, S. S., Addison P. A., & Khan A. A. (1980).  Symptomology and threshold levels of air pollutant injury to vegetation 1979-80. 24 pages . Abstract
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Syncrude analytical methods manual for bitumen upgrading

Authors Liu, J. K., & Gunning H. E.
Year of Publication: 1991

Citation:
Liu, J. K., & Gunning H. E. (1991).  Syncrude analytical methods manual for bitumen upgrading. 178 pages .
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Syncrude Canada Ltd. Environmental challenges into the 1990's

Authors Retallack, J. T., Anderson E., & Friesen B. C.
Year of Publication: 1989

Citation:
Retallack, J. T., Anderson E., & Friesen B. C. (1989).  Syncrude Canada Ltd. Environmental challenges into the 1990's.
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Syncrude Canada Ltd. Sinkhole investigation - tailings area

Authors Meneley, W. A.
Year of Publication: 1978

Citation:
Meneley, W. A. (1978).  Syncrude Canada Ltd. Sinkhole investigation - tailings area. 19 pages .
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Syncrude criteria

Authors
Year of Publication: 1973

Abstract:
Includes sections outlining the requirements of: • Environmental impact to tar sands development • The Water Resources Act with specific reference to tar sands development • The Clean Air Act with specific reference to tar sands development • The Clean Water Act with specific reference to tar sands development • Land reclamation to tar sands development Including draft approval clauses that may apply to Syncrude’s Mildred Lake mine.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (1973).  Syncrude criteria. (Alberta Environment, Ed.). 43 pages . Abstract
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Syncrude Lease No. 17: An archaeological survey

Authors
Year of Publication: 1973

Abstract:
During project planning, Syncrude Canada Ltd. became concerned for possible archaeological resources which might be endangered by its development in Athabasca Tar Sands Lease #17. Proposals were solicited by Syncrude for assistance in conducting a survey of the Lease #17 area to determine its archaeological site potential. In line with their environmental baseline studies, Syncrude accepted a research proposal and funded a field project to that end. The report contained herein embodies background information from the original research proposal and the subsequent findings of the archaeological survey project. Included are statements of both the method and theory employed in the research. All reported archaeological finds in the Boreal Mixedwood Ecosystem of Alberta and pertinent ethnohistorical and ethnographic literature concerning Native Groups of the general region are reviewed. In preparation for the survey, a system was formulated whereby Lease #17 could be divided into a number of priority areas according to their archaeological potential. To define these priority areas, it became necessary to first make an appraisal of the human carrying capacity of the area employing existing environmental data. In summary, the artifact sample from Lease #17 shows that a variety of stone materials were available and were utilized. Tools were apparently roughed out at a quarry site and then transported to camp sites for finishing. The edge angles of worn artifacts indicates that the tools had a variety of uses. The scarcity of projectile points may be due to the use of perishable bone and antler for these tools.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (1973).  Syncrude Lease No. 17: An archaeological survey. (Syncrude Canada Ltd, Ed.). 98 pages . Abstract
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Syncrude Mildred Lake oil sands plant - Decision on expansion application

Authors
Year of Publication: 1988

Citation:
[Anonymous] (1988).  Syncrude Mildred Lake oil sands plant - Decision on expansion application. (Energy Resources Conservation Board, Ed.). 4 pages .
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Syncrude's native development program: A stake in the future

Authors
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
Discusses past, present and future of Syncrude Canada's Native Development Program in northeastern Alberta. Major objectives are increased native employment, reduced turnover, and opportunity for native contractors all to be achieved through the operation of Syncrude.

Citation:
[Anonymous] (1980).  Syncrude's native development program: A stake in the future. (Syncrude Canada Ltd., Ed.). 24 pages . Abstract
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Syncrude's operations: Status and plans

Authors Carter, J. E.
Year of Publication: 1993

Citation:
Carter, J. E. (1993).  Syncrude's operations: Status and plans. 10 pages .
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Syncrude's reclamation research program

Authors Fessenden, R. J., Dai T. S., Fung M., Hilger A., McKinnon S., & Pauls R. W.
Year of Publication: 1982

Citation:
Fessenden, R. J., Dai T. S., Fung M., Hilger A., McKinnon S., & Pauls R. W. (1982).  Syncrude's reclamation research program. 16 pages .
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Synecology and autecology of boreal forest vegetation in the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program study area

Authors Eulert, G. K., & Hernandez H.
Year of Publication: 1980

Abstract:
A review of the literature pertaining to the forest ecology of the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program (AOSERP) study area was completed. Because of the complex nature of the vegetation pattern, the dynamic interactions of overstory species, and the relation of understory species to the nature and type of the canopy, the stands are discussed on the basis of relatively pure overstory species dominance. Dominant species examined were: aspen, jack pine, balsam poplar, paper birch, white spruce, black spruce, tamarack and balsam fir. The ecological factors discussed for each of these and 12 other understory species include soil and moisture requirements, reproduction, establishment, growth, successional roles, sensitivity to pollutants, and the nature of associated species. Fire is the major disturbance factor of the boreal forest. Aspects of fire discussed are: the nature, causes, incidence and extent of fire; its influence on soil heat balance, soil pH, and nutrient availability; and the general effect on the vegetation mosaic. General dynamics of vegetation are discussed and summarized for muskegs and related wetlands, river and lake shores, uplands, lowlands and the understory. The literature relating to North American concepts of communities, climax and succession is summarized to clarify usage of these terms and to illustrate the diversity of views that exist. Five approaches to studying and classifying vegetation are discussed: (1) physiognomic classification; (2) the ordination (continuum) view of vegetation; (3) floristic classification; (4) the North American approach based on physiognomy and dominance, and (5) biophysical land classification. For each approach, a general description of its characteristics, data requirements, advantages, disadvantages and applications are discussed. The report concludes with a discussion of data gaps and recommends studies needed to fulfill AOSERP objectives.

Citation:
Eulert, G. K., & Hernandez H. (1980).  Synecology and autecology of boreal forest vegetation in the Alberta Oil Sands Environmental Research Program study area. 184 pages . Abstract
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Synthesis and toxicity of some metabolites of the microbial degradation of synthetic naphthenic acids

Authors Rowland, S. J., Jones D., Scarlett A. G., West C. E., Hin L. P., Boberek M., et al.
Year of Publication: 2011

Abstract:
Some ill-defined carboxylic acids, termed 'naphthenic acids' (NA), are best known as important constituents of the >720billionlitres of process-affected water associated with the expanding oil sands industries. Other NA are components of some immature and biodegraded crude oils and these may enter the environment via produced water discharges from oil production platforms. Yet others are used as biocides and in the manufacture of steel radial tyres and these may also enter the environment through disposal and/or weathering. The environmental fate of NA, including the mechanisms of biodegradation, therefore needs to be better understood. In order to better elucidate such mechanisms, previously we studied the biodegradation in the laboratory of some alkylcyclohexylbutanoic synthetic NA. However, we could only tentatively identify the metabolites produced. In the present study we report the synthesis and characterisation of six alkylcyclohexylethanoic NA. Each was characterised by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS; trimethylsilyl esters) and we show by co-chromatography that these were indeed the metabolites. Also, a preferential degradation of the trans- isomers was revealed. Assessment of the toxicity of the synthetic NA (Microtox assay), revealed that the relative toxicity of the alkylcyclohexylbutanoic acids was reduced by biotransformation to the alkylcyclohexylethanoic acids, as observed recently for the corresponding aromatic acids. Very recent studies have shown that at least one commercial NA mixture contains cyclohexylbutanoic and alkylcyclohexylethanoic acids, suggesting that the biotransformation of the acids studied herein may be quite relevant to the environmental fate of such acids. A similar study of the acid extractables of one oil sands process-affected water sample suggests that the synthetic acids may be less good 'models' for oil sands NA. The consortia of microbes present in oil sands process-affected water may also be different to those used herein. However, the heterogeneity of oil sands process water is well-known and further detailed studies will need to be made in order to establish whether degradation of oil sands NA proceeds by beta oxidation as observed for the acids herein, or whether the oil sands acids are more resistant to bioremediation.

Citation:
Rowland, S. J., Jones D., Scarlett A. G., West C. E., Hin L. P., Boberek M., et al. (2011).  Synthesis and toxicity of some metabolites of the microbial degradation of synthetic naphthenic acids. 409(15), 5 pages . Abstract
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Synthesis of B-cyclodextrin and chitosan-based copolymers for the removal of naphthenic acids

Authors Poon, L.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are a group of carboxylic acids that are found in hydrocarbon deposits such as the oil sands bitumen. These compounds are a well-known corrosive agent and a toxic component in the oil sands process water (OSPW). Due to Alberta’s zero discharge policy, OSPW cannot be released and must be stored until toxic components like NAs are remediated. One technique that has shown potential is to physically adsorb NAs onto a copolymer generated from economical biomaterials. Therefore, the project can be divided into three sections: 1) Synthesis of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) copolymer for the sorption of p-nitrophenol (PNP); 2) Synthesis of chitosan-based copolymers (Chi-Glu) for the sorption of PNP; 3) Sorption of carboxylates and NAs using Chi-Glu copolymers. PNP sorption was used as a probe to understand the physicochemical properties of the copolymers. In the first section, β-CD was reacted with sebacoyl chloride (SCl) and terephthaloyl chloride (TCl) at various mole ratios. Characterization was done using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 1H NMR spectroscopy (1H NMR), elemental analysis (CHN), and nitrogen porosimetry. Copolymers synthesized at mole ratios of β-CD to SCl from 1:1 to 1:3 were hydrolyzed at acidic and basic conditions. Therefore, sorption studies were not done at these ratios. The same occurred for 1:1 to 1:3 TCl copolymers. Sorption studies with PNP at pH 4.6 demonstrated enhanced sorption capacity when comparing with a standard: granular activated carbon (GAC). The sorption capacity, Qm (mmol/g), ordered from largest to smallest is 1:9 SCl>1:9 TCl>1:6 SCl> GAC> 1:6 TCl. Chi-Glu copolymers were synthesized by cross-linking glutaraldehyde with pristine chitosan. A systematic study on the effects reaction conditions have on the sorption capacity of the materials was done. Three conditions were changed: pH, temperature, and mole ratios. Chi- Glu copolymers were synthesized at various chitosan to glutaraldehyde mole ratios (1:400, 1:700, 1:1000). Sufficient time was allowed for the aging process. Characterization was done using TGA, FT-IR, CHN, and nitrogen porosimetry. Sorption study with PNP were done at pH = 7.0 and 9.0. At pH = 7.0 sorption capacity appears to correlate to the quantity of homo-polymerized glutaraldehyde: 1:700>1:1000>1:400. While at pH = 9.0, the sorption capacity is inversely proportional to the degree of crosslinking: 1:400>1:700>1:1000. By increasing the pH at the shrinkage phase, PNP was weakly bound onto the Chi-Glu copolymer. Varying temperature before gelation caused a decrease in the sorption capacity with PNP. Sorption studies involving carboxylates and NAs were done at pH = 9.0 at ambient temperature using Chi-Glu copolymers (1:400, 1:700, and 1:1000) and chitosan. Three carboxylates were chosen to reflect the diverse components in NAs. Varying degrees of cyclization (Z = 0, -2, -4) and lipophilic surface area were the main criteria for carboxylates. The sorption capacity depended mainly on the lipophilic surface area (LSA) with sorption capacity highest for 2-hexyldecanoic acid (S1) which has the largest LSA and lowest for, trans-4- pentylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid (S2) and dicyclohexylacetic acid (S3). Unfortunately, cross- linking with glutaraldehyde does not enhance sorption as pristine chitosan retained a higher sorption capacity compared to Chi-Glu copolymers. Acros and Fluka NAs were chosen for sorption and no significant sorption was recorded for any copolymers. Problems involving the micellization process can explain the lack of sorption.

Citation:
Poon, L. (2013).  Synthesis of B-cyclodextrin and chitosan-based copolymers for the removal of naphthenic acids. 166 pages . Abstract
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Synthesis of fish distribution, movements, critical habitat and food web for the lower Slave River north of the 60th parallel: A food chain perspective

Authors Tallman, R. F., Tonn W. M., & Little A.
Year of Publication: 1996

Citation:
Tallman, R. F., Tonn W. M., & Little A. (1996).  Synthesis of fish distribution, movements, critical habitat and food web for the lower Slave River north of the 60th parallel: A food chain perspective. 152 pages . Download: 0-662-24674-8-bw.pdf (5.78 MB)
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Synthesis of habitat models used in the oil sands region

Authors Muir, J. E., Hawkes V. C., Tuttle K. N., & Mochizuki T.
Year of Publication: 2011

Citation:
Muir, J. E., Hawkes V. C., Tuttle K. N., & Mochizuki T. (2011).  Synthesis of habitat models used in the oil sands region. 61 pages .
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Synthesis of surface water hydrology

Authors Neill, C. R., & Evans B. J.
Year of Publication: 1979

Abstract:
The drainage system of the study area consists of a number of rivers draining from the west and from the east into the Athabasca River north of Fort McMurray, as well as a few rivers which join the Athabasca near Fort McMurray and drain areas to the south and east. Runoff from within the study area itself contributes less than 10% of the average flow in the Athabasca River at the northern boundary of the study area. Roughly 60% of annual runoff occurs in the 4-month period April through July. Runoff represents on the average only about 20% of the precipitation that falls on the area, the remainder being returned to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration. Although snowfall constitutes only about 30% of precipitation, its proportional contribution to runoff is generally much greater. On the east slopes of the Birch Mountains, runoff from rainfall appears to be remarkably small. Although the spatial variability of average runoff over the study area is not well defined by available streamflow data, it is clear that there is a wide range, from perhaps 30 mm per year on the east slopes of the Birch Mountains to 160 mm per year south of Fort McMurray. These differences are due only in part to differences in precipitation, and must reflect to a greater degree differences in physiographic features that affect evapotranspiration. Year to year variations in runoff are quite high for many of the rivers draining the study area. For example, annual flow volumes in the MacKay River have varied fourfold in only five years of records. In the Athabasca River, annual variations are much less, covering approximately a twofold range in a 20-year period. Few data are available to permit analysis of interactions between surface water and groundwater. Observational well data indicate substantial recharge of groundwater following snowmelt and rainstorms. There are indications that on the east slopes of the Birch Mountains, substantial subsurface flow to the Athabasca River may account in part for the low measurements of runoff in this area. Features of the hydrologic regime that merit further investigations in relation to development impacts include the very low natural runoff in some areas, interactions between surface water and groundwater and the relationship of runoff characteristics to basin physiography and vegetal cover.

Citation:
Neill, C. R., & Evans B. J. (1979).  Synthesis of surface water hydrology. 84 pages . Abstract
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Synthesis of toxicological behavior of oil sands process-affected water constituents

Authors Li, C., Singh A., Klamerth N., McPhedran K., Chelme-Ayala P., Belosevic M., et al.
Year of Publication: 2014

Abstract:
Large volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) are produced by the surface-mining oil sands industry in Alberta. The industry is following a no-release practice for OSPW due to its potential environmental toxicity. Both laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that OSPW is toxic to a variety of organisms including bacteria, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Naphthenic acids (NAs) are widely considered as the major toxic components of OSPW, exhibiting their toxic effects through multiple modes of action such as narcosis, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenicity. However, other pollutants present in OSPW, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), phenols, dissolved ions, heavy metals, and other unknown constituents may also contribute to or modify the overall OSPW toxicity. Although specific information on the toxicity of the compounds present in OSPW is limited, they have been associated with a wide range of biological dysfunctions in exposed organisms, such as mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and endocrine disruptive effects, caused by the organics (e.g., PAHs, phenols), and ionic imbalances induced by the high levels of total dissolved solids and salts. This report reviews the adverse effects of individual compounds, or mixtures of compounds, that are present in OSPW and/or other oil-related sources. Data on the additive, synergistic, and/or antagonistic effects caused by different constituents present in OSPW are not available, at present.

Citation:
Li, C., Singh A., Klamerth N., McPhedran K., Chelme-Ayala P., Belosevic M., et al. (2014).  Synthesis of toxicological behavior of oil sands process-affected water constituents. 101 pages . Abstract
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Synthesis: Applying the reference condition approach for monitoring reclamation areas in the Athabasca oil sands region

Authors Ciborowski, J. J. H., Kang M., Grgicak-Mannion A., Rabb D., Bayley S. E., & Foote L. A.
Year of Publication: 2013

Abstract:
The report provides an overview of the Reference Condition Approach (RCA) concept in assessing environmental condition, discusses limitations in its most common applications (evaluating the biological condition of aquatic systems), and discusses means of adapting the approach for implementation in the oil sands region in support of a monitoring program to track the restoration of biodiversity in areas that have been restored following oil sands mining.

Citation:
Ciborowski, J. J. H., Kang M., Grgicak-Mannion A., Rabb D., Bayley S. E., & Foote L. A. (2013).  Synthesis: Applying the reference condition approach for monitoring reclamation areas in the Athabasca oil sands region. 123 pages . Abstract
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Synthetic aperture radar signature for oil sands exploration

Authors Ezeoke, M., & Tong K.
Year of Publication: 2012

Abstract:
Common soil and oil sand have different electromagnetic wave reflectivity. In this paper, we explore the possibility to use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technique to identify and distinguish between three types of soil. The results from the electromagnetic wave models provide a comparison of backscattering behavior between common soil and oil sand terrain. Moreover it enables the development of a radar signature database that can provide useful reference for the design of an optimum SAR system for oil sand resource discovery.

Citation:
Ezeoke, M., & Tong K. (2012).  Synthetic aperture radar signature for oil sands exploration. 5 pages . Abstract
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System dynamics approach to assess the sustainability of reclamation of disturbed watersheds

Authors Elshorbagy, A., Jutla A., Barbour L., & Kells J.
Year of Publication: 2005

Abstract:
The mining of oil sands in northern Alberta leaves behind large open pits, tailings, and overburden piles in which the surface and subsurface hydrology has been completely disrupted. Extensive reclamation work is required to reconstruct the entire landscape and reestablish the various elements of the hydrologic cycle. Syncrude Canada Ltd. has established a series of small instrumented watersheds in a reclaimed overburden pile at the Mildred Lake mine in northern Alberta, Canada, to test the sustainability of different reclamation strategies. The purpose of these field sites is to assess the performance of different reclamation strategies and track the evolution of the reclaimed landscape with time. The saline-sodic shale overburden has been covered with different (in type and depth) soil layers to provide sufficient moisture storage for vegetation while minimizing runoff and salt transport into the cover from the underlying overburden shale. In this paper, a system dynamics watershed model (SDWM) is developed to simulate one of the reconstructed watersheds and assess its ability to provide common watershed functions. The model is at an early stage, but preliminary results point to the potential of the system dynamics approach in simulating watersheds and testing different scenarios. The tested reclamation strategy seems to be satisfactory within a certain range of hydrologic conditions. Further validation of the SDWM is required, however, before relying on its results for decision support with regard to reclamation strategies.

Citation:
Elshorbagy, A., Jutla A., Barbour L., & Kells J. (2005).  System dynamics approach to assess the sustainability of reclamation of disturbed watersheds. 32(1), 14 pages . Abstract
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Table 5.3 Characteristic species thresholds evaluation and revision

Authors Hawkes, V. C., Gibeau P., & Miller M. T.
Year of Publication: 2013

Citation:
Hawkes, V. C., Gibeau P., & Miller M. T. (2013).  Table 5.3 Characteristic species thresholds evaluation and revision. 39 pages .
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Tailings dams

Authors Hardy, R. M.
Year of Publication: 1975

Citation:
Hardy, R. M. (1975).  Tailings dams. 13 pages .
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Tailings dewatering in the oil sands

Authors Longo, S., Francouer R., Labelle M., & Wislesky I.
Year of Publication: 2010

Citation:
Longo, S., Francouer R., Labelle M., & Wislesky I. (2010).  Tailings dewatering in the oil sands. 8 pages .
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Tailings engineering at Syncrude

Authors Yano, L. T., & Handford G. T.
Year of Publication: 1988

Citation:
Yano, L. T., & Handford G. T. (1988).  Tailings engineering at Syncrude. 5 pages .
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Tailings management practices at Syncrude - from research to practice

Authors List, B. R., & Lord E. R. F.
Year of Publication: 1996

Citation:
List, B. R., & Lord E. R. F. (1996).  Tailings management practices at Syncrude - from research to practice. 11 pages .
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